A busy stretch of the M4 is closed after a large fuel spillage in Chiswick.

The eastbound carriageway has been shut between junction 3 (Hayes) and junction 1 (Chiswick roundabout) since the early hours of the morning on Tuesday, October 25.

Motorists heading towards London, including those travelling to the Emirates for Reading FC's EFL Cup clash with Arsenal and people travelling to Heathrow Airport, face long delays as the carriageway is expected to be closed until around 2pm, while resurfacing works are carried out.

Congestion is stretching back to junction 5 (Slough).

Many motorists have also decided to exit at junction 4B and use the M25, but this heavy traffic is causing long delays.

We will be bringing you all the updates on this situation throughout the day.

How to avoid the closure

'Check before you travel'

The diversion route (detailed below) is heavily congested. Police are advising motorists to check their route before they travel.

10:08

The scene of the spillage

This is the scene of the spillage in Chiswick. Resurfacing work is currently underway.

10:01

Heading to the Reading game?

If you are planning on driving to the Emirates Stadium, before the road is reopened, to watch tonight’s game between Arsenal v Reading FC then you will need to follow the diversion (detailed below).

According to Google Maps it will take around 93 minutes to travel from central Reading to the stadium in London if you leave now.

The match does not kick off until 7.45pm but there may be residual delays after the carriageway is reopened.

09:55

Heavy traffic

Drivers should try to allow extra time if they can as alternative routes are heavily congested. This google map shows heavy traffic approaching the closure on the M4 around Heathrow Airport and traffic on the M25 and surrounding roads as drivers attempt to make their way into London.

(Image: Google maps)

09:51

Advice for Heathrow passengers

People heading to the airport today are being told to allow extra time for their journeys or catch a train.

09:50

Diversion

People travelling to London are being advised to exit the M4 at junction 4B, join the M25 and the join the M40.

They can then join the A40 eastbound and follow it towards central London.

However, the diverted traffic using this route is currently causing congestion and delays.

09:41

Road will stay closed until at least 2pm

A Highways England spokesman said: “A lorry has ruptured its fuel tank resulting in a large spillage which has damaged the carriageway. Emergency resurfacing is being carried out. The current estimate for re-opening is after 2pm today.”